Hartford Town Clerk – Hartford, CT

Office of the Town and City Clerk

The Hartford Town and City Clerk serves as the official record keeper for Connecticut’s capital city, maintaining a continuous history of municipal documents dating back to the city’s founding in 1635. Located in Suite 104 of the historic Municipal Building (City Hall) at 550 Main Street, this office is the primary destination for recording land deeds, obtaining vital records, and filing business registrations. The Clerk’s office plays a pivotal role in local government transparency, acting as the custodian of the City Seal and the official secretary to the Court of Common Council.

• Vital Records: The office issues certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates for events occurring within Hartford.
• Land Records: It records all real estate transactions, mortgages, liens, and maps, which are available for public research.
• Licensing: Residents visit the clerk for dog licenses, liquor permits, and trade name certificates (DBAs) for new businesses.

Services and Accessibility

In addition to record keeping, the Town Clerk facilitates the democratic process by issuing absentee ballots for all elections and referendums. The office also manages the appointment of Notaries Public and Justices of the Peace. Visitors should be aware that the office closes early on Fridays (at 3:00 PM) compared to the rest of the week. Payment for services is generally accepted via cash, money order, or credit card, though personal checks may be subject to waiting periods for certain documents. Located in the heart of downtown, the office is easily accessible via numerous CTtransit bus lines stopping directly in front of City Hall.